When I was younger, I used to dream of finding Mr. Right

After each heartbreak, I would wonder how long it would take me to find him. I didn't realize it then, but each relationship taught me a lesson and brought me one step closer to true love.It went something like this.

Tony and I walked down Bloomingdale Avenue holding hands. His friend was with us and suggested we kiss goodbye. I said okay. Tony's eyes became the size of golf balls, "I can't believe you said that!" (and not because he was not looking forward to the kiss). So with one quick peck on his lips, I headed for home.When I dumped him a few weeks later, I thought he was going to hate me for life. He tattled on me to the teacher each chance he got, making me cry and look like a baby in gym class. Tony taught me that boys can't be jerks even bigger ones if you break their heart.

In 7th grade, I had a crush on’Billy. His hair was longer than mine and he was missing a few front teeth, but each time he smiled at me, 1 melted. With a locker right next to mine, he would pick on me everyday but I never quite got the hint that there was no future for us. What did Billy teach me`? He taught me that no matter how much you drool over a guy, it won't make him drool back.


In 10th grade, I fell for a guy who had previously shown interest my sister. How stupid was that?He came over to my house a few times hardly talking to me at all as he sat there in my family room. We would write each other notes in school, the scent of his cologne lingering on cach letter. Not long after, my sister began to like him too. He was the one and only guy we fought over. What he taught me was invaluable一no guy is worth two sisters fighting.

My first "real" kiss happened with an out-of-town boyfriend, whom I didn't see very often. When I realized I didn't like him quite as much as he liked me, I dumped him over the phone (what a heartbreaker I was!) and cried because I felt so bad. I learned from that relationship that if one likes the other more, it will never work.

After all these lessons, I had doubts that I would ever find Mr. Right.

But a year later, I was reacquainted with a man whose smile and kind words always flattered me back in high school. When we saw one another at a graduation party on a rainy, warm night in July, I felt my heart skip a beat. Somehow, I knew he was the one. We instantly found ourselves comfortable with each other and my doubts were put to rest.

I will never forget the day when we were sitting in my driveway in his truck, saying our goodbyes after spending the day together. Doug put his hand on my cheeks and in a serious tone, said, "Someday, I am going to marry you." I had no doubt that he was right. Today I share his last name and I couldn't be happier.

When I think back to Tony, Billy, and the rest of the boys, I smile. If I was able to go back and change a thing, I wouldn't. Each relationship was an essential part of my life, there to teach me a thing or two above. It also taught me that it's okay to be picky' about the people you date. Finding Mr. Right takes patience.

And I am the proof that good things come to those who wait.